Maryland’s coastal communities offer some of the most incredible scenery, wildlife habitat and vacation destinations our nation has to offer. We urgently need to do all we can to keep them that way.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on legislation to stop offshore oil and gas drilling expansion along much of the United States’ coastline.

If these bills pass, our cherished Maryland coastline, as well as coastal regions elsewhere along the Atlantic, Pacific and eastern Gulf — and the more than 50 national parks that protect them — would be safeguarded.

I want to thank U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.-1st, for voting in June for temporary protections for some of these areas — but he can do more in September to permanently protect our coasts.

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Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.-1st(Photo: Staff photo by Jenna Miller)

I am a Marylander who loves and values our coastal region. From fishing and bird watching to boating and viewing our famous wild horses, the outdoor activities on offer are as varied as they are numerous.

Assateague Island National Seashore is a huge attraction to people in the Mid-Atlantic region. More than 2.1 million people visited it last year.

Assateague visitors also may stop by other national park sites en route, sites such as the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park near Cambridge and Fort McHenry in Baltimore, as well as other attractions along the way.

Assateague Island and other coastal national parks provide some of the highest levels of protection given to our public lands and waters, ensuring needed havens for wildlife and that the story of our nation’s history and culture will continue to be shared.

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Coastal communities on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. oppose an expansion of offshore drilling in the Atlantic.(Photo: Staff photo by Jay Diem)

Our coastal national parks are also a significant draw for visitors. In 2018, more than 2.6 million people visited Maryland’s coastal parks and spent nearly $124 million on hotels and lodging, restaurants, campgrounds and the like.

The impact of this spending also carries strong ripple effects for the broader local and regional economy, including supporting over 1,500 non-federal jobs.

We have seen what happens when oil and gas development is allowed off the coasts of our national parks. Oil spills mean long-lasting harm to park wildlife, beaches and local economies. When wildlife and natural shores are jeopardized, tourist visitation drops off and businesses suffer.